5 Philadelphia Restaurants Serving Up Swanky Cocktails

When thinking of city’s with swanky dining and cocktail experiences, good ol’ Philly probably does not come to mind instantly. Most of us can recite a few bars to proclaim where Will Smith is from and anyone who grew up on the East Coast probably took a trip to see the Liberty Bell in 8th grade, but knowledge about the nation’s sixth-most populous city often stops somewhere in between.

The cosmopolis’ rich history has established it as an economic and educational hub and these 5 Philadelphia restaurants are doing their part to ensure that Ben Franklin’s town has just as much of a relevant buzz.

Aqimero

Housed in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, Aqimero offers fire and ice to complement the grand, Pantheon-esque backdrop of the hotel. Cocktails like their Smoked Mezcal Old Fashioned, served table-side out of a smoking box, and the Pocket Full O’shine that has an endless bubble, courtesy of dry ice, carry on the tradition of luxury in this former bank building.

10 Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA; www.aqimero.com

The Ranstead Room

You can find this candlelit speakeasy down an alleyway behind the eclectic Mexican restaurant, El Rey. With both classics like the Negroni and seasonal mixes like the Ice Cap, a blend of sour cherry gin, lemon, and chocolate bitters, on the menu – this hideaway is a win, win.

Attico Rooftop

An active greenhouse effect keeps this new Center City rooftop open year-round. Classic literature is the expertly quirky theme for the cocktail menu, offering libations such as the Bizzy Izzy Highball, the originates with Tom Bullock, the first African-American to author his own cocktail manual, and the Hemmingway Daiquiri that touches on the author’s historic presence in Cuba and the Caribbean.

Nunu

A Japanese pub with a long list of dim sum and an even longer list of sakes and shochus to match. The bar also delivers cocktails with classic Japanese elements like oolong, rose water, green tea, matcha, and plum.

1414 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA; www.nunuphilly.com

Friday Saturday Sunday

To local natives, Friday Saturday Sunday is no fresh hotspot, but a change in ownership and a modern makeover has taken this iconic, Rittenhouse Square corner townhome into a new era. The cocktails are luxe and the glasses are frosted. All factors combined makes this space one of the chicest Philadelphia restaurants to visit on the weekend.

Danielle is a Manhattan-born, New Jersey-raised, project management professional (PMP) with an affection for sharing treasures and never hitting the same spot twice. When she’s not chasing her bubbly two-year old, you can catch Danie maneuvering through different cities for the most out of the box and surprising settings, food, and cocktails. Keep up with her likes and loves on IG at @danielleallisonmelane.